Michael Hastings death: New video of crash emerges

A Times Staff Writer

A new video has emerged purporting to show the fiery crash earlier this year that killed journalist Michael Hastings.

Hastings was behind the wheel of a Mercedes that crashed on Highland Avenue near Melrose Avenue in June. The Los Angeles Police Department said there were no signs of foul play, and the L.A. County coroner continues to investigate.

Veteran Los Angeles journalist Michael Krikorian this week posted a video of the crash he said was taken from a nearby restaurant security camera. The video shows a car zipping by at a high rate of speed and then flames after the vehicle crashes.

Hastings was best known for a 2010 Rolling Stone profile that led to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal. Hastings was a contributing editor to the magazine.

At the time the article was published, McChrystal commanded all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. In the piece, he voiced open contempt for President Obama and administration policies.

After it was published, McChrystal was summoned to the White House to meet with the president. McChrystal resigned afterward.